FIGURES show that hundreds of fines have been handed out in Wales for those breaching coronavirus rules.

Data released by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) on May 15 show that in Wales 799 FPNs have been issued up to May 11 for breaches of government public health regulations.

The statistics reveal that across North Wales, since records began on March 27, officers handed out 143 fines.

Across Wales there were 11 fines issued by the British Transport Police, 71 by Gwent Police, 157 by South Wales Police and 417 from Dyfed-Powys.

Government public health regulations introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus enable officers to issue individuals with fines if they failed to comply after officers have engaged with them, explained the risks to public health and encouraged voluntary compliance.

Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Martin Hewitt said: “The vast majority of people continue to do the right thing, which protects the NHS and helps save lives.

“The figures show our approach is proportionate with just 0.02 per cent of the population in England and Wales being issued with a fine.

“I want to thank people for continuing to follow the regulations – I recognise it’s not easy and that this is a challenging time for us all. Our approach of – engage, explain and encourage, and only as a last resort, enforce – will continue. It is working across the UK. I urge the public to keep going, keep following the advice.

“Officers are working hard to keep us all safe from the full range of crimes in what remain challenging circumstances so we would ask everyone to work with us and remember that if you need our help we are here for you.”